When to Call Your Doctor About the Flu

If you have an increased risk of serious complications, contact your doctor as soon as your symptoms begin. People in this category include those who:

• Are 65 years of age or older
• Are younger than 5 years of age, especially children under 2
• Reside in a long-term care facility and have chronic medical conditions
• Have chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma
• Have metabolic diseases, including diabetes or kidney disease 
• Have blood disorders, including sickle cell disease
• Have neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions
• Have a weakened immune systems due to HIV infection or AIDS, certain cancers (including leukemia), cancer treatment or steroid therapy
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 50 or higher
• Are between 6 months and 18 years of age and receive long-term aspirin therapy
• Pregnant people and those who are postpartum

If you are otherwise healthy and not at increased risk of complications, seek medical advice if your flu symptoms are unusually severe, such as:

• Trouble breathing
• A severe sore throat
• A cough that produces a lot of green or yellow mucus
• Feeling faint

Also, see your doctor immediately if you think you might have signs or symptoms of pneumonia, which may include a severe cough that brings up phlegm, a high fever and a sharp pain when you breathe deeply.

For Children

Parents, do not hesitate to contact your child's doctor if you have concerns about the flu, questions about your child's symptoms or if you think your child should receive the flu vaccine. The doctor will be able to answer your questions and go over information specific for your child's age as well as any pre-existing conditions he or she may have.

Take your child to the pediatrician or to the emergency department if he or she displays any of the following symptoms:

• Rapid or labored breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough to maintain hydration
• Not waking up or interacting
• Irritability to the point that he or she doesn't want to be held

Also consult a doctor if your child's flu symptoms improve but then return and include a fever and worse cough.